70 Trigger Words and Phrases & How to Use Them

In marketing, trigger words affect human emotions and reflect why a user needs to convert. Trigger phrases surround us everywhere: on the Internet, in advertising banners, in a store, clinic, at work, and in communication with colleagues and friends. This article will look at the most famous examples of trigger words, their types, and their practical application.

What are trigger words?

Trigger words are specific phrases or words that trigger emotions in the reader or listener. They are often used in marketing and advertising to influence the target audience's behavior. Trigger words can be positive or negative, designed to tap into the reader's or listener's emotions and encourage them to act. For example, some trigger words commonly used in marketing include "limited time offer", "exclusive", "free", "new", "proven", "guaranteed", "instant", "powerful", "easy", "satisfaction guaranteed", and "money-back guarantee". These words are constructed to create a sense of urgency, exclusivity, value, or trust in the reader or listener's mind and encourage them to take action, such as purchasing, signing up for a service, or subscribing to a newsletter.

Why do trigger words work?

Trigger words work because they tap into the emotions of the reader or listener and create a strong psychological response. Using trigger words in advertising and marketing is based on the principle that people make decisions taking into account emotions rather than purely rational thought. When people see or hear words that trigger emotions, they are more likely to engage with the content and take action.

For example, using words like "limited-time offer" or "exclusive" creates a sense of urgency or exclusivity, motivating people to take advantage of the offer quickly. Words like "free" or "discount" create a sense of value, making people more likely to purchase. Words like "proven" or "guaranteed" create a sense of trust and credibility, which can make people more likely to believe the claims being made by the advertiser.

Trigger words can also create a sense of curiosity or intrigue, motivating people to learn more about a product or service. When used effectively, trigger words as well as abandoned cart subject line can be a powerful tool in advertising and marketing, helping to increase engagement, generate leads, and ultimately drive sales.

Trigger words are used to achieve several goals

• Get a conversion — "buy", "order", "leave contact details", "make a repost", "comment", "subscribe to the newsletter", "download the application", and so on.
• Remove the objection and the fence from the representatives and remove it from fear.
• Increase sales.
• Track user behaviors.
• Build long-term relationships with the client.
• With a special increase in traffic on the recommendations of customers.

Types of triggers in marketing

Deficit

Artificially created product shortage forces users to purchase a product faster. People fear losing something, especially if a person likes a product or brand. For example, “only 3 suits left from a famous brand”, “have time to sign up for an English language group: 1 place is free”, and “a limited number of goods”.

Time limit

Another trigger in marketing is limited sales time. In this case, the trigger works for the installation: do it now because access will be closed tomorrow. For example, “ today only 15% discount on all products”, a timer set on the site with a time until the end or start of the promotion, or a unique offer relevant only within the specified time frame – this will not happen again.

Fear as a trigger in marketing

Fear is a need for security: for oneself, for one's life, for loved ones and relatives, and the safety of one's home or personal data. On the other hand, this trigger can be seen as the fear of being alone or losing.

Be a part of more

This trigger is used in marketing to attract users to solve one problem. For example, protecting the forest or the ocean, saving animals, and addressing racism and attitudes toward minorities.

Exclusive

This marketing trigger called personality plays on the desire to be different, not like everyone else, to stand out and attract attention. Marketers emphasize that the product will make the buyer special.

For example, a luxury car – only 8 models were made, clothes from a famous fashion designer, and individual production of accessories and jewelry. Either it is a subscription for VIP clients, an exclusive offer for regular users, or closed access to a community or group.

Reciprocity or gratitude

The trigger forces the user to be obligated. You offer a customer a gift, a free subscription, or a product sample. They, in turn, begin to feel the need to thank you: return to the site and purchase your product.

Greed

The most prevalent trigger in marketing for promotions, discounts, and sales. The user gets the feeling that they pay less for the product. For example, low prices during Black Friday, a sale of goods with a 50% discount, and a “2 for the price of 1” promotion.

Intrigue

This trigger in marketing is curiosity. You start talking about your new and mysterious project that will turn the world upside down but cut off the story with the trigger phrase: “In the next post, I will tell you what kind of project it is”.

Social proof

When you post information that 1,000 people have bought a product and 900 recommend it, the user will likely be interested in your offer. This is how social proof works.

For example, “300,000 people have already appreciated the quality of mattresses”, “50,000 customers use our services every day”, and “250 families have already received the keys to a new apartment”.

New

The trigger works on the desire to have something new or be the first to know the latest news. People experience a sense of joy and satisfaction from new things. For example, buying the latest iPhone or video game, getting new information, or a service.

Guarantees

This trigger builds trust in a brand or product. Guarantees can be quality certificates, free services, and the ability to return money for goods.

Expertise

It stimulates the growth of trust in the company or brand. Certificates, diplomas, other awards, achievements, and experience confirm expertise. 

Storytelling

A story about a company, brand, product, or achievement. The essence of the trigger is to involve the user in the story and play on associations: childhood memories, the taste of food, and a familiar melody.

Simplicity

This technique helps to create a simple path for the client: “buy in one click”, “fill out the form in 3 steps”, and “use the application to order a taxi quickly”.

Pleasure

The trigger fires when you solve the user's problem. He does not need to do anything for this, you take everything upon yourself. For example, the services of an event organizer, a washing vacuum cleaner to save time and effort, and an application for saving passwords so as not to restore access every time.

Stereotyping

In other words, prejudice. Remember food packaging: environmentally friendly packaging, an original recipe from an Italian chef – all this belongs to stereotypes.

Remember to use these trigger words appropriately and in a relevant way to your audience and brand. Also, remember that too much repetition or overuse of trigger words can make your marketing message sound insincere and manipulative. Use trigger words strategically and sparingly to create a powerful and effective message that resonates with your audience.

List of 70 Trigger Words for Your Powerful Campaigns

Health and Wellness

1. Fitness
2. Nutrition
3. Wellness
4. Health
5. Exercise
6. Yoga
7. Meditation
8. Diet
9. Cleanse
10. Detox
11. Superfood
12. Weight loss
13. Self-care
14. Mindfulness
15. Natural remedies
16. Sleep
17. Hydration
18. Supplements
19. Plant-based
20. Gluten-free

Business and Career

1. Entrepreneur
2. Start-up
3. Leadership
4. Management
5. Innovation
6. Collaboration
7. Marketing
8. Sales
9. Customer service
10. Productivity
11. Time management
12. Networking
13. Negotiation
14. Financial planning
15. Professional development
16. Mentorship
17. Freelancing
18. Remote work
19. Career growth
20. Workplace culture

Personal Development

1. Growth
2. Mindset
3. Self-improvement
4. Motivation
5. Goal-setting
6. Self-esteem
7. Confidence
8. Resilience
9. Success
10. Habits
11. Gratitude
12. Mindfulness
13. Self-reflection
14. Creativity
15. Communication
16. Emotional intelligence
17. Decision-making
18. Problem-solving
19. Critical thinking
20. Learning

Relationships and Communication

1. Connection
2. Intimacy
3. Communication
4. Listening
5. Empathy
6. Boundaries
7. Conflict resolution
8. Forgiveness
9. Trust
10. Love

Trigger phrases

They are similar to trigger words, as they are designed to evoke a specific emotional response or action in the reader or listener. However, unlike trigger words, they are often longer and more complex. Here are some examples of trigger phrases:

1. "Limited time offer — act now before it's too late!".
2. "Unlock the secret to...".
3. "Be one of the select few to experience...".
4. "Get ready to transform your life with...".
5. "Revolutionize the way you...".
6. "Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to...".
7. "Take your [category] to the next level with...".
8. "Discover the power of...".
9. "Experience the ultimate in [category] with...".
10. "Join the elite [group] who have benefited from...".

Top 90 Trigger words and phrases by topic

How To Use Trigger Words To Amplify Your Marketing

Here are some tips for using trigger words to amplify your marketing:

1. Know your audience. Before using trigger words in your marketing, it's important to understand your target audience and what triggers them emotionally. This can help you choose the right trigger words and phrases to resonate with them.
2. Focus on benefits. Use trigger words that emphasize the benefits of your product or service. For example, words like "improve", "enhance", and "transform" can help to create a sense of value and aspiration.
3. Create a sense of urgency. Use trigger words that create a sense of urgency, such as "limited-time offer", "act now", or "don't miss out". This can motivate people to take action quickly.
4. Use social proof. Incorporate trigger words that emphasize social proof, such as "trusted", "recommended", or "approved by". This can help to build trust and credibility with your audience.
5. Be specific. Use specific trigger words and concrete, such as "proven", "research-backed", or "results-driven" to make your claims more believable and persuasive.
6. Use emotional language. Incorporate trigger words that tap into emotions, such as "happiness", "fear", "joy", or "excitement" to create a more memorable and impactful marketing message.
7. Test and iterate. Test different combinations of trigger words and analyze the results to see what resonates best with your audience. Use this feedback to refine your marketing messages and optimize your approach.

Overall, the key to using trigger words effectively is to focus on creating a message that resonates with your audience emotionally and motivates them to take action. By using the right trigger words in your marketing, you can amplify the impact of your message and drive greater engagement and conversions.

Motivate Customers to Buy with Trigger Words

Trigger words are words and phrases used in marketing to create an emotional response in the audience to encourage them to take a particular action, such as making a purchase, signing up for a service, or subscribing to a newsletter.

These words are designed to grab the audience's attention and create a sense of urgency or excitement, which can effectively motivate them to take action. However, it's important to use trigger words ethically and honestly to ensure that the claims are truthful and accurate. Trigger words can be combined, but the main rule is to use them sparingly. This can scare away the clients: they can think that you are trying to sell them a product or impose it without thinking about the user's problem.